Beyond Design: High-speed Rules of Thumb
Global PCB Connections: A Technical Overview of Long-flex Printed Circuit Boards
The Shaughnessy Report: A Handy Look at Rules of Thumb
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
July 31, 2020 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Say what you will about 2020, but it certainly isn’t boring. There’s a lot going on in the PCB world, and there’s something for everyone in this week’s top five picks. And it’s all positive, despite the lingering presence of COVID-19 and its aftereffects. In this wrap-up, we present some solid market news, Happy Holden's thoughts on high-volume microvia reliability, and a look at what our survey respondents look for in a leader.
We also bring you tips for holding the most productive and efficient meetings, and news about a company that has made purchasing capital equipment as simple—and touch-free—as an Amazon transaction. Has every company in our industry improved its processes as a result of this pandemic? I wouldn’t be surprised.
Next week, check the Friday edition of our Daily Newsletter for Managing Editor Nolan Johnson’s picks.
We Asked, and You Answered: What Makes a Strong Leader?
Published July 28
The I-Connect007 Research Team surveys our readers fairly regularly to help us ensure that we’re focusing on the challenges that you all are facing each day. Our recent survey on leadership provided a gold mine of comments about what makes a great leader. For instance, several readers said a great leader must be a great listener as well. As one respondent said, “You’re never the smartest person in the room, even if you’re the CEO.” Editor Michelle Te breaks it all down.
Manncorp Boosts Ability to Buy Online
Published July 29
With everyone working from home now, we’re seeing more and more companies upping their online game. Assembly equipment maker Manncorp now offers the ability to purchase new machines online, with technicians walking customers through customized equipment recommendations. The company also provides remote-location troubleshooting to help customers with setting up pick-and-place machines, for example. We expect to see this trend continue.
North American PCB Industry Sales up 0.8% in June
Published July 30
Despite all of the craziness going on in the world, there are plenty of encouraging signs for our industry. For instance, PCB sales were up in June, and bookings were up almost 17% from the same period last year. The demand for PCBs seems to be outpacing the supply, and that’s a good place to be.
It’s Only Common Sense: The Art of the Meeting
Published July 27
With everyone meeting via videoconferences now, this column by Dan Beaulieu is especially timely. At I-Connect007, we practice much of what Dan is preaching here, including having time allotments for each agenda item, which really helps keep meetings on track. You need to have meetings, so make them count.
Just Ask Happy: Monitoring Via Reliability on a Lot-by-Lot Basis
Published July 29
Our "Just Ask Happy" series has covered a lot of ground, from HDI design tips through final assembly and everything in between. This week, a reader asked Happy for his advice on monitoring microvia reliability for high-volume production, and Happy explained his process in great detail. As befits someone nicknamed "Mr. HDI," Happy has fielded dozens of questions about microvias and via reliability over the past few months. If you have a question for Happy, take the survey by clicking here.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Subdued Electronics Industry Sentiment Continues in November
11/25/2024 | IPCIPC releases November 2024 Global Sentiment of the Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain report
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
11/22/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, I-Connect007In this week’s roundup, I’m highlighting a variety of articles. We have an interview with Jess Hollenbaugh, a recent graduate working for Polar Instruments. We also have an interview with IPC’s Matt Kelly and Devan Iyer, whose white paper may provide a way forward for companies dealing with complex advanced packages. Our newest columnist Tom Yang describes the U.S. PCB industry from the point of view of a technologist from another country, and Dan Beaulieu has a review of Malcolm Gladwell’s follow-up to The Tipping Point. Finally, we have my review of PCB Carolina, a one-day tabletop show that keeps expanding, much like my waistline after eating their catered food. Enjoy!
Western Digital CEO David Goeckeler Elected Chair of Semiconductor Industry Association
11/22/2024 | SIAThe Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) today announced Western Digital CEO David Goeckeler has been elected Chair of the SIA Board of Directors. SIA represents 99% of the U.S. semiconductor industry by revenue and nearly two-thirds of non-U.S. chip firms.
Meet Polar's New Product Specialist Jess Hollenbaugh
11/21/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, I-Connect007At PCB West, I spoke with Jess Hollenbaugh, a recent college graduate who has now joined Polar Instruments. In this interview, she shares her journey from a physics student focused on high-energy astrophysics to her new role at Polar. Her insights provide a glimpse into the dynamic opportunities awaiting those who venture into this evolving industry.
SIA Applauds CHIPS Award for Semiconductor Research Corporation’s SMART USA Institute
11/21/2024 | SIAThe Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) released the following statement from SIA President and CEO John Neuffer commending the announcement that the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Semiconductor Research Corporation Manufacturing Consortium Corporation (SRC) are entering negotiations for the Commerce Department to provide SRC $285 million to establish and operate the CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute for Digital Twins.